Cahill cheered by Chelsea's resilience

Speaking to UEFA.com after his side earned a 0-0, UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg draw at Club Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC defender Gary Cahill said that the 2012 UEFA Champions League winners had followed coach José Mourinho's tactics to the letter. The 28-year-old centre-back also pointed out that next Wednesday's return at Stamford Bridge would likely be a more open affair. Meanwhile, Fernando Torres praised fans of his former side who made the striker feel welcome on his return to the Spanish capital. UEFA.com rounds up the Chelsea reaction.

Gary Cahill, Chelsea defenderRespectful of how good and strong [Atlético] have been at home this season, we came here with a gameplan. Our plan worked in the end and we are pleased with the draw. We nullified their threat by the way that we played. I still think that they caused us some problems but – speaking from a defensive point of view – the clean sheet was big for us tonight. Our coach was pleased because the tactics he put together came off. We defended here more than we usually do; we were more compact than normal.

We are strong at home and I am sure we will be on the front foot in the next game. That might suit them too, as they like to play. We knew the atmosphere here was going to be great. I played here once before in my career and the atmosphere was special. I am sure our fans will produce the same in the second leg and get right behind us. We're one game away [from a possible final]. It's a dream for them as they have never been there before [but] it's also a dream for us so we will be giving absolutely everything we've got [next Wednesday].

Fernando Torres, Chelsea forwardI think 0-0 is a good result for both teams; for them because they will be in a dangerous position if they score and for us as we will be playing with our fans behind us. We know Atlético are a team that can kill you on the counter-attack with the likes of Diego Costa up front but we covered that threat. [Our efforts in doing so] also meant we didn't create any chances.

Coming back here to the Vicente Calderón after seven years couldn't have been more special, especially doing so in a [UEFA] Champions League semi-final. During the game you have to focus on competing, but before and afterwards [my reception here] was spectacular. I am eternally grateful to the supporters for the welcome they gave me.

Mark Schwarzer, Chelsea goalkeeperI did not have much time to think about the situation [coming on to replace the injured Petr Čech]. I just got out there and tried to do my job. Everyone was up for the challenge tonight and our quality came through. Maybe we did not create many chances but it was still a very good performance.

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